John Barker to move on

After three years as chair at Connexus, John Barker has announced he will leave the organisation in the autumn. 

John became chair of the board in 2019, and over the next three years helped the organisation navigate the challenges of a global pandemic, review its approach to risk and compliance, as well as significantly strengthen governance arrangements. This culminated in Connexus securing the highest possible governance and viability compliance ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing in March this year. 

With stronger governance foundations in place and Connexus beginning to plan its corporate priorities to 2030 and beyond, John believes it is the right time to hand over the baton. 

He said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the customers and colleagues I’ve met and had the pleasure of working with during my time at Connexus. The organisation has made incredible progress, strengthening how it operates across the board. These improvements have directly benefitted our customers and the communities we serve. 

“I’m proud to have played a small part in that huge collective effort. As Connexus takes its next steps, now feels like the right time to move on.” 

Richard Woolley, Connexus chief executive said: “John joined Connexus at a difficult time and worked in partnership with myself, the Board and senior leaders in steadying the organisation and delivering the strong governance base that we recognise today. He has my profound thanks for this, and the board, executive, and I wish John well in the future.” 

Recruitment for a suitable candidate who can take over from John will take place during the summer, with Connexus keen to appoint a successor who will maintain a strategic focus on customer service.